Festivals

The rituals and festivals practiced by the tribal groups of Orissa are still being followed, respected and nurtured since the distant past to the present day. Generally the tribal festivals and ceremonies are categorized into two groups > those observed in the home front among the family members and those which bring the entire community together in the name of celebrations. The personal or domestic affairs include occasions concerning marriage, death or birth of an infant whereas the whole village get together to celebrate events like rich harvest and mellow fruitfulness. Few of the remarkable festivals celebrated  by the tribal societies comprises Push Punei celebrated by the Juang, Karam festival of the Oraon, Guar ceremony of the Saora, Gotar festival of the Gadaba, Kedu of the Kondh clan, Magha Parab celebrated by the Santhals and Chait Parab observed by the Bondo. In fact, with the gradual passage of time, the tribal population have adapted and accepted few traditional Hindu festivals like Dusshera, Laxmi Puja etc. They have also shown interest and started worshipping Hindu Gods like Lord Jagannath, Shiva and Parvati.